SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock is planning a special occasion when the Rebels stage the Championship Pairs on Friday July 20.

The traditional pre-Cardiff Major Event fell victim to the weather last season and was eventually re-staged at Sheffield, but Hancock says this year’s meeting will be bigger and better than ever.

She said: “Last season was a massive disappointment to us with the event being rained off on the day.

“But we will be hoping for our current heat-wave to run through this month and make this year's event a very special one indeed.

“As well as attracting fans from the competing Championship teams for what will certainly be a challenging meeting, we also hope to whet the appetite of many others and will have a support event of a Mountain Bike Trials Show, with two separate 25 minute sessions being staged on the centre green here at the Oaktree.

“This is something new for us and it should be hugely entertaining - and besides this, I can confirm that once again we will have on-site a face painting artist to decorate the faces for the kids during the evening, as we know that is very popular.

“We are keeping prices at the same level set for last season - £20 adults, £15 concessions, £5 kids (aged 5-15) and free admission for under 5's, and the turnstiles will be opening at 5pm.

“Highbridge is a perfect 'stopping point' en-route to Cardiff and we will be hoping to have a bumper crowd enjoying the perfect warm-up to the British GP.”